Wren’s sandy brown hair was longer by nearly three inches and tinged with a fading blue dye that emphasized the fatigue on her face, the dark circles under her eyes.
Wren opened the glass doors with much effort, though others had pushed them open with ease.When she was finally through and past the rope barrier, Raven’s feet moved.She swooped toward Wren, noticing a faint smile appear on her daughter’s tired face, and hugged her, but not too tight.She was so changed; Raven was afraid her daughter might break if she gripped her too tight.
“It’s so good to see you,” she said into Wren’s ear.
“You too, Mom,” said Wren.“I’ve missed you so much.”
Raven hugged her again and held her out at arm’s length for a better look, pleased to see a little color in her cheeks.“Let’s get your luggage and go home,” she said.“Jackie will be so glad to see you.”
Wren laughed.“We both know Jackie isn’t even likely to notice me.She’s your cat.”
“I think you’ll be surprised,” said Raven, knowing what Wren said was true.“Mal and Daisy are also looking forward to seeing you.”
“I’ve missed them.”Wren walked over to the carousel and picked up the last bag before it disappeared back into the wall and they had to wait longer.
“Here, give it to me,” said Raven, reaching to relieve her daughter of her suitcase.
“Thanks,” said Wren, letting go of the handle and following Raven out the front door toward the car.“It’s good to be home, Mom,” she said as she settled into the front seat.
“It’s good to have you home,” said Raven.She felt her old self for the first time in months.
And as she drove past the new sign Lance and his daughter Zoey had helped her design, then down the driveway past the rescue center, she barely gave Lance a thought.
Her life would be better this way.Simpler.Cleaner.
No divided loyalties.
No one asking her to choose.
Mal was walking across the driveway as they arrived, and Wren jumped out of the car to greet her.Daisy joined them moments later, to hug her and screech about how super excited she was that Wren was home.
Raven left them to reacquaint themselves and brought her daughter’s bag to her old room, stopping to pat Jackie on the head.
“Look who’s here,” she said to the cat, pointing out the window to where her daughter was still chatting with Mal and Daisy, her face animated.
Jackie rose to her feet, peered out the window, stretched, then snuggled back down to snooze.
“Well, I’m happy to see her,” said Raven, parking the suitcase before walking into her own room to drop off her purse.She sat on the bed a moment and leaned over to smooth the other side, where Lance slept only a few days before.
She would miss him, but she told herself it was better this way.Wren was her priority, and she needed her mother.
ChapterSeventeen
Sarah kicked off her shoes as she came in the door.
“Go upstairs and grab your gear,” she said.“I want to make sure you have everything you need before we catch the ferry.”
“Okay, but are you sure Dash is going to be okay without me for the weekend?”
“Don’t worry.He’s with Dot and Sally, and he’s going to be fine.Now, bring me your backpack and change your clothes.You have clay all over your shorts.”
“Okay.”Riley trudged up the stairs, and Sarah’s heart clenched knowing she couldn’t protect her from the hurt Graham’s new relationship was causing Riley.Not long ago, her daughter would have been packed and ready to go, urging her to hurry, anxious not to be late.
Sarah followed her up the stairs and changed into comfortable jeans and a blue blouse with flowers scattered over it.The store clerk, and a customer using the next fitting room beside her, had assured her she looked great in it.And she wasn’t about to give Graham a reason to think she’d let herself go.
She had her pride.
Next, she perused her bookshelf to find her next read.On the ferry trip to Vancouver, Riley would occupy her time, but a new book would make the trip back more pleasant.
